Who makes the best wiring harness for a M38A1?

Avalon01 · Post by **Avalon01** » Fri Nov 04, 2005 9:41 am

I'm going to replace the wiring in my 1952 M38A1 and found a couple of different options for the wiring harness.

Vintage Wiring of Maine has them for $475.

Most online dealers sell a harness for $475 - I assume it is the same harness as the Vintage Wiring of Maine.

I can get a NOS harness for $300.

Every now and then I see a repo harness for $275. No idea the manufacturer or quality. Seems too good to be true since most carry the $475 harness.

Anyone have a recommendation?

Bill_F · Post by **Bill_F** » Fri Nov 04, 2005 9:47 am

The $300 Nos harness does not include everything. It is just the main harness of the light switch. I bought one for my m38 but paid less than $300 for it, way less. Where have you seen a comlete harness for $275?

Avalon01 · Post by **Avalon01** » Fri Nov 04, 2005 10:27 am

They show up in the Military Vehicle magazine from time to time.

Bill_F · Post by **Bill_F** » Fri Nov 04, 2005 10:29 am

Could you post a phone number or other contact info for the person that has them listed for $275

Avalon01 · Post by **Avalon01** » Fri Nov 04, 2005 10:32 am

Bill_F wrote:Could you post a phone number or other contact info for the person that has them listed for $275

I would need to check - no idea who had them off the top of my head.

Bill_F · Post by **Bill_F** » Fri Nov 04, 2005 10:40 am

thanks
I am looking for the rest of the harness I need

Bob_C · Post by **Bob_C** » Fri Nov 04, 2005 7:26 pm

This in my opinion...

but I would NEVER use any NOS rubber, and that includes a wiring harness. The rubber insulation that is put on those wires totally stinks compared to rubber technology now (seriously. plastic / rubber technology is WORLDS better than it was in the 50s). The old NOS harness rubber will just fray and break apart as the oil in it dries out, unlike todays rubber.

OKCM38CDN · Post by **OKCM38CDN** » Fri Nov 04, 2005 7:40 pm

I paid the $475 and got a COMPLETE harness fro Vintage Wiring of Maine. He even added extra wires to add the solid state signal kit and the convoy light used on CDN M-38's.

Everything fit like it was supposed to and with the proper connectors and tags.

This is one time where the addage "Pay me now or pay me later..." comes to mind.

Just let Joe @ VWM know what you want and he can do it...

My opinion...

Bill_F · Post by **Bill_F** » Sat Nov 05, 2005 4:17 am

ON the NOS harness I got it is perfect, like it was produced yestarday. I figure if is only last 10-15 years I still got a good deal

Bill_F · Post by **Bill_F** » Wed Nov 16, 2005 1:26 pm

If anyone is interested I have placed my NOS m38a1 main harness on ebay. Search user name w.falconer

LeeG · Post by **LeeG** » Wed Jan 18, 2006 4:50 pm

Has anyone else seen any other wiring harnesses? I'm looking for one with the turn signal kit and possibly a fuse box!

Lee

Post by **wesk** » Wed Jan 18, 2006 10:43 pm

Vintage Wiring of Maine and MVP Sales. Their history crosses each of their paths several years back. Either offers a good product. I think Jeff at MVP is a little more flexible on tailored products. For my 2 cents these are the only 2 shows in town for the M38 and M38A1 series.

LeeG · Post by **LeeG** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 8:28 am

I have found Vintage Wiring of Maine and contacted them but, I can't find anything on wire harnesses for MVP sales. Do you have their website address?

Lee

Post by **wesk** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 3:00 pm

The owner of MVP Sales, Jeff, is a member of this group. He's at:
http://www.mvpc.com/

Post by **Ryan_Miller** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 6:22 pm

I bought mine through Vintage Wiring of Maine and the owner talked to me for several hours about M38's.

I believe his name is Joe Hall.

He sent me photos of his M38. It is very nice!

The wiring harness he sent me looks great. I have not gotten to the stage where I have used it yet.

He also told me that they do custum stuff all the time ( turn signals, etc.).

My 2 cents